Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar umiversity of medical science, Sabzevar, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Epidmiology, Non-Communicable Diseases Research center, Sabzevar University ofMedical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
3 Iranian Research Center of Healthy Aging, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Military service is a critical transitional period for newly graduated male nurses, often accompanied by psychological stress and role challenges that may affect their professional performance, including compassionate care delivery.This study aimed to determine the association between military service and compassionate nursing care in selected teaching and therapeutic hospitals in Mashhad and Sabzevar iran in 2025.
Methods:This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 novice male nurses (work experience ≤48 months) working in clinical wards of selected hospitals. Participants were recruited using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the validated Compassionate Care Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, employing Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U,and Spearman correlation tests.A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant
Results:A statistically significant difference was found in the mean compassionate care score based on military service type (p<0.001). The "Health Ministry Ambassador" group achieved the highest scores across all dimensions (professional performance, continuous follow-up, patient-centered performance, and empathetic communication), followed by the "Exempt from Service" group. The lowest scores were observed in the "Conscripted Soldier" and "Garrison Nurse" groups. No significant relationship was found between compassionate care and educational level or marital status. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between work experience and patient-centered performance (rho = -0.15, p=0.01).
Conclusion: The type of military service significantly influences compassionate care among novice nurses. Addressing the psychological and supportive needs of conscripted nurses and designing targeted educational programs may facilitate successful transition to clinical practice and enhance compassionate care quality
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